Unique Coin, Medallion and Badge Set
The Perth Mint marks the historic discovery of HMAS Sydney II with this unique commemorative Coin, Medallion and Badge Set.
Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver Coin
The coin is struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.
Reverse Depicting HMAS Sydney II
The coin’s reverse depicts HMAS Sydney II, a 6,830 tons modified Leander class cruiser with an illustrious battle record. The ship’s image is accompanied by the inscription HMAS SYDNEY II 19 NOVEMBER 1941 ~ 16 MARCH 2008, which highlights the 67 years she lay undiscovered on the seabed, and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.
Australian Legal Tender
Befitting HMAS Sydney II’s enormous historical and cultural significance, the coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965. The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2008 year-date appear on the coin’s obverse.
Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver Medallion
The coin is accompanied by a medallion struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.
Reverse Depicting HSK Kormoran
The medallion’s reverse portrays the disguised German raider, HSK Kormoran, which struck Dutch colours and hoisted the German Naval Ensign before surprising HMAS Sydney II with heavy gunfire. As well as The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, the reverse includes the inscription HSK-8 KORMORAN 19 NOVEMBER 1941~12 MARCH 2008, a reference to the date on which her wreckage was discovered by the Finding Sydney Foundation.
Obverse Depicting Map & Final Coordinates
The medallion’s obverse depicts a diagrammatic representation of the ships’ courses during the fatal engagement. As well as the inscription DISCOVERY OF HMAS SYDNEY II ~ HSK-8 KORMORAN, the design includes the coordinates of their positions on the seabed as determined by the Finding Sydney Foundation:
- HMAS Sydney - 26° 14’ 37” S 111° 13’ 03” E
- HSK Kormoran - 26° 05' 49.4" S 111° 04' 27.5" E
Replica Badges
The set also includes a blue enamel and gold-plated reproduction of HMAS Sydney II’s badge, and a gold and silver-plated replica of the Kriegsmarine’s Auxiliary Cruiser Badge.
Extremely Limited Mintage
The Perth Mint will release no more 2,500 of these Coin, Medallion and Badge Sets. It will also release up to 5,000 HMAS Sydney II 1oz silver coins in individual presentation packaging (see separate entry).
Presentation Display Case
The set is housed in a blue display case and magnificently illustrated shipper.
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Each set is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.